India return to top spot of ICC Test rankings since 2011

India has ragained its numero uno Test status after a hiatus of nearly four-and-half years following England's 2-1 series victory over former leaders South Africa

Mumbai: Following their 37-run triumph over Australia in the first match of the three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket series in Adelaide on Tuesday, India's day got even better as they were named the new top ranked Test team after England completed a 2-1 series victory over former leaders South Africa.

Virat Kohli. Pic/ AFP

South Africa's whopping 280-run win over England in the final Test in Centurion was not enough to prevent their slide from the top of the standings to the third spot.

India returned the Test summit of the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings for the first time since August 2011. Australia are in the second spot.

"After England's 2-1 series win against South Africa, India are officially No. 1 in the Test Rankings," the ICC tweeted on Tuesday.

Australia can have a go at the first place with a series win in the two-Test Trans-Tasman Trophy next month against New Zealand, starting on February 12 in Wellington.

India moved to second on the rankings in December when they mauled South Africa 3-0 on home soil. It was the first time South Africa had been beaten away from home in nine years.

Pakistan are in the fourth spot, followed by England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.